Solfège is great for identifying relationships between different notes in music. It helps the learner understand and recognize patterns. A pattern in music you hear very often is So-Do. Music students who are trained in solfège can hear that interval and know what it is.

This notation is what is called Moveable Do, meaning the word ‘Do’ moves to wherever the starting note of the major scale is at the time. However, there is also a notation technique called Fixed Do. With Fixed Do solfege, Do is always a C, Re is always a D, Mi = E, Fa = F, Sol = G, La = A, and Ti = B.

Solfege is a method of ear training. It helps students hear music in their head, freeing them from dependence on a score, instrument or recording. Students learn pitch, harmony and sight reading with this method. Children who learn solfege can eventually read a score and hear the music internally, without singing.

The tonic sol-fa method popularized the seven syllables commonly used in English-speaking countries: do (or doh in tonic sol-fa), re, mi, fa, so(l), la, and si (or ti), see below.

Solfege, Curwen, or Kodaly hands signs are a system of hand symbols representing the different pitches in a tonal scale. They’re used to provide a physical association of a pitch system to help connect inner hearing and reading of pitches with musical performance.

Pitches can be organized into a musical scale, or pattern of notes. Solfège syllables are the names for each note in a musical scale. In the song “Do-Re-Mi,” J.J. sings the seven solfège syllables in a major scale: DO, RE, MI, FA, SOL, LA, and TI.

Sing up the scale, from ‘do’ to ‘mi’ — do, re, mi. Then sing again, but go silent at ‘re’ – but imagine it in your head. Soon, you will be able to hear ‘do – mi’ as easily as you hear ‘do, re, mi’ …. THIS is the key to solfege.

The United States uses only A, B, C, (etc) and many European countries use “do, re, mi etc”. The rest of the world is a mix. But, it really depends on where you are and the teacher you are studying from. So, don’t take this as a 100% truth.

Kodály was a firm believer in the importance of heritage and culture in one’s music education; he asserted that there was no better music than that of a child’s culture to teach children basic musical literacy. To this end, the system he developed integrated the singing of folk songs in the pupils’ mother tongue.

Although both composers focused on young children’s musical training the main difference between them is that Kodály focused on vocal/choral training with the use of hand signs while Orff’s main approach was mainly on movement, speech and making music through playing (particularly percussive) instruments.

The Dalcroze method, also known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics, is another approach music educators use to foster music appreciation, ear-training, and improvisation while improving musical abilities. In this method, the body is the main instrument. Simply put, this approach connects music, movement, mind, and body.

The Kodály method uses a system of movable-do solfège syllables for sight-singing: scale degrees are sung using corresponding syllable names (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, and ti). The syllables show function within the key and the relationships between pitches, not absolute pitch.

The Kodály method is an approach to music education rooted in the idea that music should be a social and cultural experience. The Kodály approach to teaching music asserts that musical concepts, creativity, and collaboration are best taught in group music lessons, particularly for young children.

Second, the three components of the Dalcroze approach (rhythmic solfège, improvisation, and eurhythmics) are interdependent and must be taught together. The three complement and reinforce each other, providing a complete and balanced musical education.

Here are four of the most popular music education methods: Orff, Kodaly, Suzuki, and Dalcroze.

• The Orff Approach. Glockenspiel Photo by flamurai.
• The Kodaly Method. In the Kodaly Method, singing is stressed as the foundation for musicianship.
• The Suzuki Method. Violin.
• The Dalcroze Method.

Music education should be a part of general education in everybody’s life. Music allows them to express themselves in a unique way, which motivates their learning and helps build their self-confidence. Music is a universal language. It helps children connect to other cultures and understand the world around them.

Lowell Mason

Music education is an important aspect of providing children with a well-rounded education. When allowed to work in harmony with other subjects and areas of study, music helps children grow in self-esteem, build essential skills and prepare for bright futures.